LEAMINGTON Brakes maintained their position at the top of the Southern League Premier Division, despite a stalemate 0-0 draw against Frome Town.
Saturday’s result proved to be a second successive goalless draw against the Somerset side who often prove to be a tough team to play against on home turf.
The home side sat back and held tight for the majority of the 90 minutes as Brakes struggled to find a way through the defensive unit.
Scoring chances were at a premium while conditions ensured both sides struggled with ball control following a heavy downpour both prior and during the match.
A couple of wayward chances were not taken by the home side, however midfielder Ollie Knight forced Leamington keeper Breeden into a good save at his near post mid-way through the first half.
Frome proved to be the busier side in the first half, though Leamington started the get into the game in the concluding 20 minutes of the first half as Ahmed Obeng hit the post following a well worked through ball from Courtney Baker-Richardson and debutante Richard Gregory.
Leamington continued to apply pressure in the second half as Clayton-Green got a touch on Rob Thompson-Brown’s shot from outside the area, deflecting the ball through the keeper Kyle Phillips.
Frome had an effort lifted onto the roof of the net while the home side’s defensive team remained strong as chances from Obeng, Gregory and Gittings were all saved.
Despite the best efforts of the forward unit, Leamington failed to score and thus took a point from Frome – by no means a disastrous result.
Brakes boss Paul Holleran said: “I’m happy to take the positives from the game.
“Having some effective players missing today was one of those things – had those players been available I probably wouldn’t have made Courtney (Baker-Richardson) and Joe (Magunda) travel as they’ve been suffering from illness.
“To go to a place which is tough at the best of times and earn a point proves the team’s desire – I thought throughout the afternoon we were very solid at the back.
“I’d like to especially like to thank the fans that travelled down today just before Christmas on a horrendous day.
“They were really vocal and to say that we appreciate their support is an understatement.”
The Brakes face Kings Langley in an away tie this Saturday.
